Every ghost town is a bet that didn't pay off. Landgraff just shows the receipt more honestly than most. Landgraff is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It is located along U.S. Route 52 and Elkhorn Creek, approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km) east of the county seat of Welch.
McDowell County holds 19 documented ghost towns, including Algoma, Bartley, Beartown — Landgraff keeps them company on the map.
The story of Landgraff
West Virginia's ghost towns are coal company towns, owned outright by the mine and abandoned the same way.
Landgraff is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It is located along U.S. Route 52 and Elkhorn Creek, approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km) east of the county seat of Welch.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Landgraff is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Landgraff is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Landgraff is roughly 37.4117, -81.4736 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Landgraff FAQs
01Where is Landgraff located?
02What county is Landgraff in?
03What is the history of Landgraff?
04What remains at Landgraff today?
05Can you visit Landgraff?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Landgraff, West Virginia”), CC BY-SA.
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